Page:The Aristocracy of Southern India.djvu/79

 H. H. The Maharajah op Bobbili. 61

The Madras Mail remarked thus on the speeches made by H. E. the Governor and the Rajah Bahadur:—

"It will be seen from the reports we publish to-day that the Governor's visit to Bobbili was marked by some very cordial speech-making. Eeferring to His Excellency the Rajah remarked:—

"It is a rare fortune for a Province to be presided over by such a statesman, a statesman who, by a life which has been devoted to his country's service, has added to the high gifts of nature, a vast store of practical knowledge and experience, and who, while he is ready to listen to the popular voice and official advice, is at the same time capable of maintaining his own independence of judgment."

In the middle of April the wedding of the Kumara Rajah of Bobbili was celebrated with much rejoicing. The Rajah's mother, the Rajah of Venkatagiri, k. c. i. e., Rajah Muddu Kristna with his wife, and Rajah Venkata Krishna came from Venkatagiri. Rajah Venugopala Krishna and the second son of the Kumara Rajah of Pittapur also arrived from Madras. The Zemindar of Sangamvalsa was also present at the wedding.

The Rajah was renominated to the Legislative Council in 1898, and he has since then been a member of that august assembly. No objection was raised to his election, which was felt to be well deserved, whilst there, seemed to be every probability that his habits of business would be advantageously brought into play. He expressed his views more freely than ever against the Tenancy Bill, and thus fully realized the confidence reposed in him by his constituents.

There was a sudden bereavement in the noble family of Bobbili in May 1899, caused by the death of the great-